I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 1368

Chapter 1368: This position was originally reserved for her by the lord, understood a little

Ni Chen stood tall and straight, with straight eyebrows and a calm, peaceful expression. Dressed in a white robe and with his hands behind his back, he walked into the hall with a casual demeanor, as if he were indifferent to the people present. His followers entered one after another, exuding a tyrannical aura that deepened the frowns of the leaders from various ethnic groups.

Clearly, this was a force to be reckoned with, including several quasi-immortal emperors.

It was important to note that in the Dao Chang Realm, quasi-immortal emperors were few and far between, often counted on one hand. Yet, in addition to Ni Chen, there were many who consistently heeded his orders.

Many attendees thought of the clansmen and children sacrificed during the battle, fueling their hatred for Ni Chen even more. A significant conflict had erupted on the front lines, and instead of sending any manpower to assist, he remained in the rear, breeding troops and causing civil strife. It was imperative to impeach Ni Chen and force him to abdicate this time.

Ni Chen appeared extremely indifferent. Although he noticed the expressions of everyone in the hall, he remained unconcerned. Before he had seized control of the Dao Chang Realm, he had anticipated such a scene, fully aware that it would incite public outrage. He simply hadn’t expected the battle to conclude so swiftly. Moreover, his plan to seize control had been completely shattered due to a tribulation that had unexpectedly fallen upon him.

Nevertheless, as long as he was still alive, there remained a glimmer of hope.

“I don’t know why all the seniors have sent down orders to call me here,” he said, his tone calm.

I am at a critical juncture in my breakthrough; if there is no urgent matter, I will take my leave. After all, cultivation must take precedence over all else.

With a faint smile, Ni Chen looked directly at Gu Wuwang, Hei Ming, and the others in the hall, as if his cultivation had been unjustly disturbed.

Since becoming a Daoist, Ni Chen had been striving to present himself as Gu Changge’s inheritor and future successor. Many of his actions, whether intentionally or unintentionally, mirrored Gu Changge’s style. This included his current posture and tone of voice, which closely resembled Gu Changge’s demeanor.

It had to be said that this approach had proven effective for quite some time. Everyone could see traces of Gu Changge in him, which only heightened their fear of him. This perception further fueled Ni Chen’s arrogance; he boasted that as long as Gu Changge was away from the Dao Chang Realm, he was qualified to dominate, even disregarding the likes of Gu Wuwang and other Dao realm existences.

Such behavior caused many in the hall to frown even deeper, sensing the complexity of the situation. After all, Gu Changge had personally sanctioned Ni Chen’s position as a Daoist. No one knew or could predict Gu Changge’s true feelings about the matter.

If they guessed wrong, the consequences could be unimaginable, likely resulting in their complete destruction.

“Oh? Daoist, is there something wrong with your cultivation? The old man feels your foundation is much looser and more insubstantial than before. Or could it be that my perception is off?”

Before Gu Wuwang could respond, Hei Ming, who stood beside him, smiled faintly. His initially cloudy eyes now seemed to see through Ni Chen, and his tone was laced with curiosity.

Gu Wuwang, the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan, and others also exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a mix of intrigue and suspicion as they observed Ni Chen. Being from the Dao Realm, they hadn’t personally investigated, but they sensed something was amiss with him. His aura felt significantly weaker than before, and even the radiance of the Quasi-Immortal Emperor seemed greatly diminished. What had transpired during this time?

Ni Chen’s heart trembled; he had taken great care to conceal his aura on the way there. However, he hadn’t anticipated that these seasoned veterans would possess such keen insight and would still catch on to some clues.

Yet, Ni Chen was not one to be easily rattled. With a calm expression, he replied lightly, “During the recent invasion by foreign enemies, I intended to fight fiercely, to ignite the light of the Immortal Emperor and condense the Dao Fruit of the Immortal Emperor to play a more significant role in this battle. I didn’t expect to be too impatient, which led to some issues during my breakthrough, harming my origin. I’ve been cultivating for the past few days. If it weren’t for the orders from several seniors, I would still be in my cave, focused on my training.”

As he spoke, he offered an explanation for his prior inaction, justifying why he had chosen to remain hidden rather than engage in the battle.

However, the people in the hall were not convinced. His words might have fooled the untrained, but this gathering was filled with leaders from various ethnic groups, all possessing long-term vision and great wisdom. They had lived long enough to see through Ni Chen’s pretenses.

“Hehe, so that’s the case. Your dedication is truly commendable, Daoist,” Hei Ming replied, his smile remaining, but his tone dripping with ridicule and mockery.

Ni Chen’s expression remained unchanged as he asked, “I don’t know why the seniors have summoned me here. What is the reason?”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but glance sideways toward another direction in the hall.

There stood a girl with a cold demeanor, silent and seemingly indifferent to the world around her. She wore a simple plain white dress, her black hair cascading like a waterfall. Her features were perfect and flawless, and her eyes, as clear as jade, resembled a banished immortal yearning to ride the wind.

While the others in the hall engaged in conversation, she stood there quietly, not saying a word. It was as if she existed outside of the world yet somehow remained at its center—cold and lonely, refined and peerless.

In truth, when Ni Chen had first entered the hall, he had already taken note of the cold girl standing beside Gu Wuwang, Hei Ming, and the others. Although she was an unfamiliar face to him, Ni Chen had already begun to piece together her identity.

Although Ni Chen had never fought on the boundless battlefield against foreign enemies, he had heard about the remarkable achievements of this girl. Gu Xian’er! She was Gu Changge’s cousin, a member of the same clan, and unlike Shen Xian’er, this girl possessed extraordinary fortune and was deeply favored by Gu Changge.

Ni Chen had deliberately studied many events in the upper world and knew that Gu Xian’er held a significant identity. In Gu Changge’s heart, her status was exceptionally high.

“I’m calling you here this time because I have something important to discuss with you,” Gu Wuwang, the deputy leader who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. His tone was slow but carried immense authority.

As he spoke, the various leaders who had been conversing in hushed tones fell silent, turning their attention to the deputy leader with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Ni Chen was slightly taken aback but maintained a smile as he asked, “I don’t know, Senior Wuwang, what do you wish to tell me?”

Gu Wuwang said little and waved his hand. In response, a stream of dark golden light shot forth from beneath his wide robe, transforming into a wave-like golden letter that undulated in the air. This golden letter unfurled, revealing handwriting as bright as stars that emerged one by one, emanating an inexplicable and formidable force.

Ni Chen’s heart trembled as he kept his composure, quickly scanning the contents of the letter. His followers gathered behind him, peering over to take a look. As they read, their expressions grew increasingly unattractive, eventually turning gloomy and ugly. The letter was an impeachment notice collectively drafted by all ethnic groups and forces, detailing numerous accusations against Ni Chen.

At the same time, the letter demanded that Ni Chen step down as Daoist of the Heaven Slaying Alliance. The leaders of all ethnic groups and sect heads had left their genuine seals and marks on the letter, a binding force in the universe. Once it was activated, the declaration would be broadcast across the vast expanse of the great worlds and countless universes.

This wasn’t just some interoffice memo; it was the cosmic equivalent of being unfriended by the entire multiverse at once.

When that happened, Ni Chen’s identity as Daoist would dissolve like mist in the morning sun. His followers, who had once basked in his shadow, would tumble down from the pedestal they once occupied—taking their influence, power, and any dream of securing those juicy resource allocations with them.

In short, not only would they lose status, but they’d also be waving goodbye to their share of precious resources, rare treasures, and the sweet, sweet perks that come with being in Ni Chen’s inner circle. For them, it was more than just losing an office; it was losing everything.

“This is simply nonsense! The Daoist was appointed by the leader himself and established by him. How can there be any reason to impeach him and force him to resign?” one elder exclaimed, outrage evident in his voice.

“That’s right! Shouldn’t it be the leader who decides the identity of the Daoist? When did it become the prerogative of others to dictate this?” another added, indignation swelling among the ranks.

“These so-called letters hold no weight at all! The Daoist is the beacon of hope for the future of the Dao Chang Realm, and I am wholly devoted to cultivation for the benefit of the realm!” a third voice rang out, rallying support.

“Where does this impeachment leave the prestige of the leader?” they continued, their protests filling the hall.

At that moment, Ni Chen remained silent, observing the rising tide of dissent from his followers. Elders from various ethnic groups and traditional figures voiced their dissatisfaction and objections one after another.

The leaders of various clans and sects in the hall exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with sarcasm. They knew the truth behind the impeachment letter. While the protests were spirited, they were ultimately more influenced by the powerful backing of the three Dao Realm existences than by any genuine concern for Ni Chen’s position.

This was the prevailing trend in the Dao Chang Realm: anyone who dared to oppose it would be crushed to ashes.

“Seniors, are you planning to let Miss Xian’er take over as the new Daoist?”

Ni Chen’s expression darkened as he glanced at Gu Xian’er, who remained impassive. Could this be her scheme?

Fighting against foreign enemies on the vast battlefield had brought her fame and prestige. Was it all just a pretext to secure the identity of Daoist? If he managed to seize control of the Dao Chang Realm, Ni Chen would have scoffed at the very idea of holding such a title, viewing it as beneath him.

But now, he found himself in dire need of resources to heal from his injuries and eliminate the damage inflicted on his Dao. Losing his status as Daoist would also mean losing the many resources he had previously enjoyed, along with the blessing of luck bestowed by the Heaven Slaying Alliance. This would deal a devastating blow to Ni Chen, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.

“This is not our intention; rather, it reflects the consensus of the current clans in the Heaven Slaying Alliance,” Gu Wuwang stated, shaking his head calmly. His words implied a clear direction: they intended to make Gu Xian’er the new Daoist.

“The position of Daoist has already been arranged by the leader. Are the seniors intending to defy the leader? What about the dignity of the leader?”

Ni Chen’s voice deepened, trying to suppress the unwillingness swelling within him. He sensed that today might indeed be the day he lost this critical identity, which would make it exceedingly difficult for him to regain his footing in the future.

Gu Wuwang maintained his composure, shaking his head once more.

“The leader has already declared that the position of Daoist should be filled by those of virtue. When a change is necessary, it must occur. Furthermore, if Miss Xian’er becomes the Daoist, I believe the leader would be quite pleased.” His words were unambiguous.

Ni Chen’s understanding began to crumble as his expression darkened. His fists clenched, and he could no longer maintain the calm demeanor he had arrived with. Gu Wuwang’s last statement—that this position was originally reserved for Gu Xian’er—struck him like a thunderbolt, leaving him reeling.

The fog that had obscured certain truths began to lift, and Ni Chen felt a dawning realization. At that moment, the expressions of his followers turned pale, understanding that Gu Wuwang’s words represented a conclusion beyond dispute.

“Given that, let’s adhere to the rules and have a fair fight. If Gu Xian’er can defeat me, then I’ll gladly relinquish the Daoist position to her. But if she can’t even overcome me, what right does she have to hold this title, and what qualifications does she have to win the support of the public?” Ni Chen’s demeanor cooled entirely as he fixed his gaze on Gu Xian’er, now addressing her by her first name rather than the polite ‘Miss Xian’er’ he had used earlier.

Gu Wuwang and the others frowned, sensing the icy determination in Ni Chen’s eyes. It was evident that he had resolved to eliminate her, making the stakes of the encounter alarmingly clear.

Relying on his early breakthrough into the realm of quasi-immortal emperor, Ni Chen looked at Gu Xian’er with a sense of superiority, knowing that she had yet to consolidate her foundation.

“Good. Since you want to fight me fairly, then come on,” he challenged, his voice steady and confident.

Before Gu Wuwang and the others could respond, Gu Xian’er, who had remained silent until now, had already accepted. She was straightforward and preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble. Moreover, she was confident in her strength. Though she appeared cold and reticent to others, deep down, she held a sense of pride and assurance.

“Very good.” Ni Chen’s sneer deepened at her immediate acceptance. Despite his injured foundation, he was still considered the strongest individual in the Underworld Realm. The anticipation of the confrontation stirred within him, believing he would easily demonstrate his superiority over Gu Xian’er.

No matter how talented Gu Xian’er was, she had only just established her footing in the realm; it was impossible for her to be his opponent.

Since you want to take my position, you have to pay the price.

Ni Chen thought, a sneer forming in his heart alongside a strong killing intent.

In the headquarters of the Heaven Slaying Alliance, there was no shortage of trial battlefields. With several Dao Realm beings taking action to maintain it, the arena could fully support a battle at the quasi-immortal emperor level.

As soon as Gu Xian’er and Ni Chen stepped onto the battlefield, they unleashed their most powerful abilities. The surging Daoism of the quasi-immortal emperor undulated like cosmic waves, reverberating through various dimensions of time and space.

The chaotic energy surged into the sky, enveloping the universe, and even a mere flicker of the ensuing fluctuations made the leaders of all ethnic groups tremble in fear. The intensity of the atmosphere was palpable, heightening the anticipation of the confrontation that was about to unfold.